Optical waveguides – With optical coupler
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-07
2001-06-05
Palmer, Phan T. H. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
C385S017000, C385S020000, C385S024000, C359S199200, C359S199200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243510
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fiber optic communications, and more particularly to a system for electronically connecting fiber optic communication lines.
BACKGROUND
As computer processing speeds have increased, the need for high-speed computer networks have also increased. While prior computer communications systems have relied almost exclusively on various types of electrical lines to transmit information (e.g., copper, coaxial cable, twisted-pair, etc.), many newer systems incorporate fiber optic lines to accommodate the heaviest communication traffic. Fiber optic lines are capable of transmitting information at much higher rates than traditional electrical lines due to the larger bandwidth of optical fibers.
Several different standardized communications protocols have been adopted to allow computer network communications over fiber optic lines. For example, the ANSI X3.230-1994 standards (referred to herein as Fibre Channel) define a 1.0625 Gigabit per second (Gbps) communications protocol for both single mode and multimode fiber optics communications. Similarly, the IEEE 802.3x standards (referred to herein as “Gigabit Ethernet”) define a 1.25 Gbps fiber optics communications protocol which is partly based on the Fibre Channel protocol. These protocols specify a variety of different parameters such as how information is divided into packets for transmission and then reassembled after delivery, and how information is addressed to reach its intended destination. In addition to computer networks, other technologies such as telecommunications and high definition television (HDTV) also utilize fiber optic communications.
A disadvantage of fiber optic lines as compared to electrical lines is the difficulty in routing fiber optic communications to a selected destination. Although information communicated over a computer network can be routed by network components such as switches, routers, bridges, hubs, etc., (referred to collectively herein as “signal routing devices”), these devices rely on software to decode the destination address of the information and then forward the information along the appropriate network path. This software process requires a substantial amount of computer processing capacity to route the information without significantly delaying the transmission.
Alternatively, fiber optic lines may be physically connected to allow the optical signal to pass directly from one line to the other. However, as is known to those of skill in the art, the optical fibers must be precisely aligned to ensure a reliable connection. One device often used to connect fiber optic cables is a manual patch panel. Typically, a manual patch panel receives several fiber optic cables extending from various different devices adapted to communicate with one another by optical signals. To enable a first device to communicate with a second device, an operator connects a fiber optic patch cable between the fiber optic cable of the first device and the fiber optic cable of the second device.
Since the manual patch panel does not decode the destination address of the information, it requires little or no computer processing capacity. However, using the patch panel to switch communications between different devices is impractical if carried out with even moderate frequency. For example, to allow the first device discussed above to communicate with a third device, the operator must disconnect the patch cable from the fiber optic cable of the second device and connect it to the fiber optic cable of the third device. Typically, the new connection must be tested for proper alignment, signal transmission, etc. In addition to being labor-intensive, this manual process can also lead to damage of the fiber optic cables. Furthermore, the manual patch panel must be placed in a location that is easily accessible by the operator.
SUMMARY
The present invention provides a system and method for connecting an optical input to one or more selected optical outputs. The system includes at least one optical input port, and at least one optical receiver coupled to receive an optical signal via the optical input port. The optical receiver is configured to convert the optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal. The system also includes a plurality of optical output ports, and a plurality of optical transmitters. Each optical transmitter is coupled to a different one of the optical output ports, and is configured to selectively receive the corresponding electrical signal and convert it back to the optical signal for transmission through the optical output port. The system further includes electronic circuitry which is controllable to form an electrical path to convey the corresponding electrical signal from the optical receiver to the optical transmitter coupled to a selected optical output port. As a result, the optical signal received via the optical input port is transmitted through the selected optical output port. Optionally, the system may be configured to receive control instructions via a computer network so that an operator may select the optical output port from a remote location.
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Bypass Switch Product Specification of Molex Incorporated. No date.
Apcon, Inc.
Kolisch Hartwell Dickinson & McCormack & Heuser
Palmer Phan T. H.
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